Germination and Emergence of Hemp Sesbania (Sesbania exaltata)

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Abstract
Hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory] was more tolerant to induced moisture stress than soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with osmotic potentials of −4 and −2 bars, respectively, required to reduce germination. Hemp sesbania germinated at temperatures of 15 to 40 C with optimum germination occurring at 30 to 40 40 C. Seed dormancy was caused by impermeable seed coats. Acid scarification of 45 and 60 min and mechanical scarification 20 and 30 s gave maximum germination. Scarification increased water absorption. Light had no effect on germination. As oxygen content increased from 0 to 21%, germination of unscarified seed increased from 5 to 39%, but germination did not increase as oxygen increased from 21 to 100%. Hemp sesbania and soybean emerged from depths up to 12 cm with maximum emergence occurring at the 1- and 3-cm depths. Hemp sesbania emerged faster and in greater numbers at all depths than soybean.